A barber cutting dry hair.
A dry cut is a type of haircut that is performed on dry hair. Some stylists prefer this method for certain hair types or to easily achieve certain styles. While most salons specialize in dry cutting, those that cater to curly-haired clients are more likely to provide this haircut service.
A typical haircut often begins with a shampoo and conditioning treatment. The stylist may lightly dry your hair or simply towel dry it before beginning the cut. A dry cut is done on completely or mostly dry hair to give the stylist a clear idea of how the cut will look when the hair is not wet.
For those with curly or wavy hair, a dry cut may be a preferable method. When hair is saturated with water, curls and waves often change shape and stretch due to the added weight of water. With a dry cut, the stylist can easily see the shape and pattern of the curls, as well as know the length of the hair when it is dry and curly.
In addition to making it easier for the stylist to observe the natural patterns of the hair, dry cutting can also be beneficial for the client. Often when hair is cut wet, stylists use straightening tools, such as flat irons, to straighten the hair before cutting. If the client wears curly hair most of the time, it can be difficult to get an accurate idea of what the cut will look like on a day-to-day basis. In a dry cut, the stylist works with the same hair the client works with every day, so it’s easy to get great styling tips by looking closely at the cut.
According to some barbering and styling experts, a dry cut should only be attempted by an experienced professional stylist who performs this type of cut frequently. Smaller sections of hair should be cut when the hair is dry, to make it easier for the stylist to lose their place in the cut or lose strands. By consulting an experienced barber who is used to dry cutting, the client can reduce the possibility of having hair nightmares.
To find a salon that does dry cuts, try looking for one that specializes in curly or unique hairstyles. Be sure to ask if there is a price difference between a dry cut and a regular cut; Some salons can earn a few dollars when applied if a shampoo treatment is not required. On the other hand, since dry cuts are difficult even with top drawer shears and can take longer to complete due to the need to cut small sections at a time, ask about the price difference before agreeing to cut.